Developing machine for photographic film

ABSTRACT

A developing machine for photographic film. The machine includes a covered tank having a developing trough secured therein. A perforated cylindrical sleeve surrounding a film reel is removably supported within the trough by circular hubs adapted to fit within the open ends of the cylinder. One hub is located at the end of the trough, eccentrically attached to the shaft of a motor mounted on the trough, for rotating and agitating the cylinder. The other hub is supported on a fence that can be adjustably positioned along the length of the trough to accommodate cylinders of different length. Fluid is admitted to an outer portion of the tank to control the temperature environment of the trough. A valve controlled fluid supply system is provided for sequentially furnishing developing, washing and setting solutions to the trough from remote containers. Inert gas such as nitrogen under pressure is used to propel these solutions from their containers. A programmable timer is provided to control the valves of the supply system and establish the time intervals and sequence of steps of a desired developing cycle.

United States Patent Wing [54] DEVELOPING MACHINE FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM'[72] Inventor: Ray D. Wing, 4680 S.W. Upper Drive, Lake Oswego, Oreg.97034 [22] Filed: Aug. 17, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 64,197

[52] US. Cl. ..'....95/89 R, 95/90.5, 134/159 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03d 3/00[58] Field of Search ..95/89 R, 89 D, 90, 90.5, 93,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3 ,124,051 3/1964 Buechner..-...95/96 3,000,288 9/ 1961 .Winnek ..95/89 R 3 ,508,483 4/1970Wiedner ..95/96 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews AssistantExaminer-Richard L. Moses Attorney-Kolisch & Hartwell 1 Oct. 3, 1972[57] ABSTRACT A developing machine for photographic film. The machineincludes a covered tank having a developing trough secured therein. Aperforated cylindrical sleeve surrounding a film reel is removablysupported within the trough by circular hubs adapted to fit within theopen ends of the cylinder. One hub is located at the end of the trough,eccentrically attached to the shaft of a motor mounted on the trough,for rotating and agitating the cylinder. The other hub is supported on afence that can be adjustably positioned along the length of the troughto accommodate cylinders of dif-.

ferent length. Fluid is admitted to an outer portion of the tank tocontrol the temperature environment of the trough. A valve controlledfluid supply system is provided for sequentially furnishing developing,washing and setting solutions to the trough from remote containers.Inert gas such as nitrogen under pressure is used to propel thesesolutions from their containers. A programmable timer is provided tocontrol the valves of the supply system and establish thetime intervalsand sequence of steps of a desired developing cycle.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEnnm 3- 1912 31595, 162

SHEET 1 OF 2 Ray D. Wing INVENTOR KM HCJLJQ,

DEVELOPING MACHINE FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONopen ends of the sleeve. A first hub is rotatably secured at one endofthe trough, being eccentrically secured to the shaft of a motor mountedon the tank for rotating and agitating the cylinder and film reel. Theother hub is supported on a fence adapted to bridge the top of thetrough so that the hub'can be. located along the length of the trough atany location desired; This permits use of cylinders of differentlengths.

A valve-controlled fluid supply network is provided Developing machines,as presently used at large m for furnishing the developing and washsolutions to the commercial processors include a complex. conveyorsystem which sequentially moves film to be processed through a series ofbaths and washes. Since these systems include a large number of bathsand washes, a considerableamount of space is required for theirinstallation. Furthennore, an intricate control system is used toestablish and control the time intervalsin the selected developingprocess. Consequently, such developing equipment is quite complex andusually expensive.

In other systems used for development of smaller amounts of photographicfilm, it is usual for an operator to place the film on a suitable rackwhich is then placed in a machine and submerged into the varioussolutions used in the development process. The solutions are manuallyadded and agitated and a hand timer is used to regulate the exposure ofthe film in each of the solutions. These systems are not satisfactorysince they are cumbersome touse and require the constant attention ofthe operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the inventionto pro vide an improved developing machinefor photographic film whichcan handle small or large amounts of film, and which can be readilymodified to handle either black and white film or color film of varioussizes.

It is another object of the invention to provide a developing machine ofsimple design and construction which is sufficiently compact for use ina small space by a studio or a photographer. It is yet another object ofthe invention to provide a developing machine having a film retainingholder and cylinder adapted to be power-rotated and agitated in a uniquemanner while submerged in the developing solutions, for uniformlydeveloping the film.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide an improveddeveloping machine which includes a programmable timer and valve controlsystem for automatically admitting washes and solutions to thedeveloping trough in a certain order and at certain interval's forcompleting a predetermined developing cycle selected by the operator.

It is still another object of the invention to provide for the use ofminimum amounts of solution to process varying amounts of film so thatit is economically possible to discharge the solution after one usage.

These and other objects of the invention are attained in a developingmachine which includes a covered tank having a developing troughtherein. A perforated cylindrical sleeve is adapted to fit within thedeveloping trough and carry a film holder therein. The holder supportsthe film to be developed in a helical roll so that it is uniformlyexposed to the solutions within the trough when immersed. Thecylindrical sleeve is supported in the trough by circular hubs adaptedto fit within the trough from remote containers. Inert gas suchasnitrogen under pressure is used to force the various solutions fromthe respective containers through the fluid supply tubing. The waterused duringthe wash cyclesis introduced through the same tubing systemused for the solutions, thereby cleaning the tubing systems between eachcharge of solution andavoiding chemical contamination of onesolutionwith another.

A system is provided to furnish water of a predetermined temperaturetothe outer tank for controlling the temperature environment of thedeveloping trough. A programmable timer is provided toestablish theintervals for each step of the developing process and to control thevalves of the fluid supply system in a predetermined sequence forperforming an appropriate developing cycle for the type of film to beprocessed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a right elevation view of a console-mounted developing machinewith the front partially removed;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the console shown in FIG. 1 withtheend wall partially removed;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a developing tank designed in accordance withthe invention with the cover removed;

FIG. 4 is a right elevation view, in section, taken along lines 4-4 inFIG. 3;

FIG. '5 is an end elevation view, in section, taken along lines 5-5 inFIG. 4; and

FIG. ,6 .is a detail view of a film holder utilized in the embodimentdescribed, taken along linesv 6-6 in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2,the developing machine 10 generally includes a cabinet 11 and a controlconsole 12 supported for movement on wheels 13. The cabinet serves as abase for a developing tank 18 with a removable cover 22. The cabinetincludes an upper shelf 16 upon which are retained a plurality ofremovable containers 17a-l7d adapted to confine the various developingsolutions used in the machine. The cabinet is provided with a lowerstorage shelf 20 which supports a tank 21 filled with nitrogen oranother inert gas under pressure, utilized for expelling the contents ofcontainers 17 through a fluid supply network generally indicated at 26in a manner to be explained. Doors 24 enclose the upper and lowershelves of the cabinet.

Control console 12 surrounds a programmable timer l4 and includes afront control panel 25 having various control switches 28 and dials 40thereon. The timer is of conventional design and includes a plurality ofsets of contacts adapted to be opened and closed in response to movementof the timer. Each dial can be manually set to control the opening andclosing of one or more sets of contacts at predetermined times. Acontrol switch is associated with each dial 40 by which the contactscontrolled by that dial can be set to regulate one of a set of valves inthe fluid supply system in a manner explained hereinafter.

Tank 18 has a trough 46 supported therein. The tank is bounded by afloor 45, side walls 42 and ends 43, 44. The trough has a substantiallysemicylindrical bottom 48, opposed sides 47 and ends 49.

The trough is provided with an inlet 19 connected through conduit 27 toa main supply tube 29 which is adapted to receive fluid selectively fromeach of the containers 17 through one of a plurality of supply tubes30a-30. As shown, each of the supply tubes extends through a suitablevent in the associated container and reaches nearly to the bottom of thecontainer. Each of the supply tubes includes an upper loop 31 whichprevents backflow of liquid from supply pipe 29 into the respectivecontainer.

Each of the containers is adapted to receive inert gas from tank 21through one of a plurality of corresponding gas lines 32. Electricallycontrolled valves34a-34d connected to. the timer by electrical cables 85are provided one in each gas line, to selectively regulate flow throughthe lines in a manner to be explained. In the embodiment shown, fourcontainers are utilized. However, any other suitable number ofcontainers can be used, it being understood that corresponding valves,supply tubes and gas tubes are required therefor.

The main supply tube 29 is also connected to a source of temperaturecontrolled water, not shown, by

a tube 35. An electrically controlled three-way valve 36, connected tothe timer by an electrical cable 86, is connected in tube 35 to regulateflow of water therethrough. A tube 37 is connected between a thirdoutlet of valve 36 and an inlet 38 in outer portion 18 of the developingtank. Thus, water for maintaining uniform temperature is introduced intoouter portion 18 of the tank with valve 36 in one operative position,and with valve 36 in a second operative position such water isintroduced into the trough for wash purposes.

An outlet 53 is formed in the bottom of the trough, at the left endthereof as viewed in FIG. 4, and another outlet 23 is formed in thebottom of the trough at the other end. An electrically controlled drainvalve 89, connected to the timer by an electrical cable 88, is providedbetween outlet 53 and a drain tube 90 communicating with the outlet.Drain valve 89 is closed during the various processing intervals of adeveloping cycle and is opened at the end of each processing interval topermit discharge of the solutions or wash water from the trough. Outlet23 is connected directly to the drain tube, which is adapted forconnection to a suitable V drainage reservoir, not shown, at theinstallation site of the developing machine.

Overflow vents 39 drain water from tank 18 into the trough when thewater in tank 18 exceeds a certain level. Such water flows from thetrough through outlet 23.

A motor 50 is secured to one end of tank 18 adjacent the end of thetrough, having a shaft 51 that extends through an opening in end walls43, 49. Suitable sealing means, not shown, are provided around the motorshaft to prevent leakage. The motor is energized from a suitable powersource and is electrically connected to the timer for control by means,not-shown.

A partition or fence 55, divides the trough into left and right portionsas viewed in FIG. 4. The fence comprises a wall 56 having a flange 57along the outer edge thereof. The flange is designed to generallyconform to the cross-sectional outline of the trough. The wall is formedwith a plurality of overflow openings 54 therein. The overflow openingsare particularly designed to let wash water overflow into the rightportion of the trough for discharge through outlet 23.

A. section of rubber tubing 58 or other sealing material is provided,adapted for placement between the flange and the inner surface of thetrough to establish a liquid seal therebetween when the fence ispositioned in the trough. A cross member 59 is secured at the top of thefence, having depending flanges at the ends thereof for supporting thefence on the side walls of the trough. Thumb screws 61 extend throughthreaded holes in the flanges for clamping the fence in the desiredposition. i

A circular hub 60 is mounted on the shaft 51 of the motor, adapted to berotated therewith. The hub is fabricated of plastic and includes anouter flange 62 and an inner race 63 of reduced diameter. A rubber ring65 is secured about the periphery of the inner race for a purposedescribed hereinafter. The center of hub 60 is offset with respect tothe motor shaft so that the race of the hub describes an eccentricmotion when rotating.

Another hub 66 of similar design is removably mounted in the trough nearthe fence in generally opposed relationship to hub 60. Hub 66 is securedto an elongate arm 68 vertically suspended from a cross member 69. Crossmember 69 is of alength sufficient to extend between the sides of thetrough for supporting the hub and arm. Detents 71 are formed at the endsof the cross member to retain the latter between the side walls of thetrough. Hub 66 differs from hub 60 in that hub 66 is mounted forrotation about its center axis. Also hub 66 does not include a rubberring about the periphery of its inner race.

A perforated cylindrical sleeve 74 is adapted to be suspended in thetrough, having open ends 75 which fit over and rest upon the inner racesof the hubs between the hub flanges. As shown, the inside diameter ofthe sleeve is somewhat larger than the race diameter. However, ring 65on race 63 provides sufficient friction to enable the sleeve to rotatewith hub 60. In addition to rotational movement, the sleeve is agitateddue to the eccentric motion of hub 60.

A sleeve having a length approximately one-half the length of the troughis shown in the embodiment described. However, it should be apparentthat sleeves of different length can be used. Thus, the positioning ofthe fence and hub 66 at various locations along the length of the troughwill accommodate sleeves of different size as necessary to process filmof different width.

A film retaining reel, or holder, 77 is confined within the cylindricalsleeve adapted to separate and retain the film surfaces for evenexposure to the contents of the trough. The holder, shown in detail inFIG. 6, includes a center or mandrel 79 comprised of four wires havingupturned end segments. Mounted on the inner sides of the end segmentsare a pair of generally opposed spirally wound wires 80. The ends of thespiraled wires are located opposite each other whereby continuous,identical spiral paths are formed leading to the center of the filmholder. The wires are spaced apart a sufficient distance to accommodateeasily the width of the film to be processed in the machine. In usingthe holder, the end of the film to be processed is fed under the outerend of each of the spiraled wires and drawn inwardly along the pathdescribed above.

In the operation of the apparatus described, film to be developed isplaced within the holder and sleeve, the sleeve is placed within theleft portion of developing trough engaging the hubs and the cover of thetank is replaced. The operator then sets each of the switches on thecontrol console to an appropriate position to select a desired valve.This controls the order in which the valves'will be operated andestablishes a desired sequence for delivery of the developers, washes,and other solutions to the tank. Then the operator sets the dialcorresponding to each switch to an appropriate position to establish thedesired times at which the timer contacts associated with a particularvalve will be turned on and then turned off by the timer. Thus, the dialand switch settings serve to establish a fill, agitation and drain cyclefor each of the solutions and washes that is to be provided to thetrough during the selected developing cycle. With the settingscompleted, the timer and motor are energized and the developing cycle isrun. 4

In atypical cycle of operation, with all the valves ini tially closedand the timer energized, valve 36 is changed to its first operativeposition and temperature controlled water is delivered to the outerportion of the tank. After a predetermined fill interval, valve 36 isclosed and valve 34a is opened to supply solution from container 17a tothe trough.

After a predetermined fill interval, during which the left portion ofthe troughis filled with solution to a desired level, usually well belowthe overflow level, valve 34a is closed. An agitation interval ensues,after which drain valve 89 is opened and the solution drains from thetrough. Valve 89 is subsequently closed. A

second solution can be admitted to the trough by opening valve 34bwhereby the sequence described above is repeated. Alternatively, valve36 can be changed to the second operative position so that wash water issupplied to the trough. The wash water eventually fills the left portionof the trough and thereafter continuously overflows into the rightportion of the trough. After a suitable washing interval, valve 36 isclosed and drain valve 89 is again opened to drain the wash water fromthe trough.

After the drain interval, valve 89 is closed, another one of valves 34is opened to admit solution from a container and the above operationsare repeated in the manner described above. The cycle continues untileach solution has been furnished to the trough and the film has beencompletely processed. The motor can be energized only during the desiredagitation intervals or it can be energized continuously.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for processing photographic film comprising afluid-retaining developing trough,

means for delivering fluid to the interior of said 5 trough first andsecond circular hubs rotatably mounted in spaced relationship withinsaid developing trough, at least one of said hubs being eccentricallymounted within said developing trough,

a hollow cylindrical sleeve removably disposed within said developingtrough, said sleeve being rotatably supported at its ends by said hubs,said sleeve having a film'holder removably confined therein forsupporting film to be developed, and

motive means mounted on said tank for selectively rotating saidcylindrical sleeve.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the periphery of at leastsaid one hub is partially surrounded by a ring of nonmetallic material.

3. Apparatus for developing photographic film comprising an elongatedeveloping trough having opposed side walls and opposed ends,

an electric motor mounted adjacent said trough having a shaft extendingthrough one end of said u a first circular hub eccentrically mounted onsaid shaft for rotation therewith,

a support arm movably mounted on said trough, extending downwardly intothe trough between opposed sides of said trough,

a second circular hub rotatably mounted on said support arm, opposedfrom said first hub, and

a cylindrical sleeve removably disposed within said trough, said sleevehaving open ends of a diameter greater than the diameter of said hubs,the ends of said sleeve being adapted to fit over said hubs for rotationtherewith.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further including fence meansmovably mounted within said trough for dividing said trough, and asealing member providing a seal between the periphery of said fencemeans and the inner surface of said trough.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further including a film holderremovably confined within said cylindrical sleeve, the surface of saidsleeve being perforated.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further including a tank having saidtrough mounted therewithin, said tank being adapted to hold a body ofliquid about the outside of said trough.

7. Film processing apparatus comprising an elongate developing troughhaving sides and opposed ends adapted to hold fluid,

a perforate container member disposed in said trough adapted to supporttherewithin film to be processed,

mechanism supporting such container member within said trough forrotation of the container member about an axis extending generallybetween said ends of the trough,

said mechanism including means eccentrically mounting at least one endof the container member whereby said end moves eccentrically on rotationof the container member, and

motive means for rotating said containermember.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said mechanism comprises opposedhubs for supporting the ends of the container member, at least one hubbeing movably mounted within said trough for adjustable movement alongthe length of the trough.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, which further includes a movable partitionextending into the trough between its ends, said partition being sealedalong its periphery to the inner surface of the trough and beingeffective to divide the trough into multiple compartments, saidcontainer and the mechanism supporting said container being within oneof said compartments.

10. Film processing apparatus comprising an elongate developing troughhaving sides and opposed ends adapted to hold fluid, said trough havingmeans for draining fluid from one end thereof,

a movable partition extending into the trough disposed between the endsthereof, said partition being sealed along its periphery to the innersurface of the trough and being effective to divide the trough intomultiple compartments including one having said means for draining fluidand one bounded by the other end of said trough,

a container member mounted within said other compartment for holdingfilm to be processed, and

mechanism supporting said container member within

1. Apparatus for processing photographic film comprising afluid-retaining developing trough, means for delivering fluid to theinterior of said trough first and second circular hubs rotatably mountedin spaced relationship within said developing trough, at least one ofsaid hubs being eccentrically mounted within said developing trough, ahollow cylindrical sleeve removably disposed within said developingtrough, said sleeve being rotatably supported at its ends by said hubs,said sleeve having a film holder removably confined therein forsupporting film to be developed, and motive means mounted on said tankfor selectively rotating said cylindrical sleeve.
 2. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the periphery of at least said one hub ispartially surrounded by a ring of nonmetallic material.
 3. Apparatus fordeveloping photographic film comprising an elongate developing troughhaving opposed side walls and opposed ends, an electric motor mountedadjacent said trough having a shaft extending through one end of saidtrough, a first circular hub eccentrically mounted on said shaft forrotation therewith, a support arm movably mounted on said trough,extending downwardly into the trough between opposed sides of saidtrough, a second circular hub rotatably mounted on said support arm,opposed from said first hub, and a cylindrical sleeve removably disposedwithin said trough, said sleeve having open ends of a diameter greaterthan the diameter of said hubs, the ends of said sleeve being adapted tofit over said hubs for rotation therewith.
 4. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 3, further including fence means movably mounted within saidtrough for dividing said trough, and a sealing member providing a sealbetween the periphery of said fence means and the inner surface of saidtrough.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, further including a filmholder removably confined within said cylindrical sleeve, the surface ofsaid sleeve being perforated.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3,further including a tank having said trough mounted therewithin, saidtank being adapted to hold a body of liquid about the outside of saidtrough.
 7. Film processing apparatus comprising an elongate developingtrough having sides and opposed ends adapted to hold fluid, a perforatecontainer member disposed in said trough adapted to support therewithinfilm to be processed, mechanism supporting such container member withinsaid trough for rotation of the container member about an axis extendinggenerally between said ends of the trough, said mechanism includingmeans eccentrically mounting at least one end of the container memberwhereby said end moves eccentrically on rotation of the containermember, and motive means for rotating said container member.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said mechanism comprises opposed hubs forsupporting the ends of the container member, at least one hub beingmovably mounted within said trough for adjustable movement along thelength of the trough.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, which furtherincludes a movable partition extending into the trough between its ends,said partition being sealed along its periphery to the inner surface ofthe trough and being effective to divide the trough into multiplecompartments, said container and the mechanism supporting said containerbeing within one of said compartments.
 10. Film processing apparatuscomprising an elongate developing trough having sides and opposed endsadapted to hold fluid, said trough having means for draining fluid fromone end thereof, a movable partition extending into the trough disposedbetween the ends thereof, said partition being sealed along itsperiphery to the inner surface of the trough and being effective todivide the trough into multiple compartments including one having saidmeans for draining fluid and one bounded by the other end of saidtrough, a container member mounted within said other compartment forholding film to be processed, and mechanism supporting said containermember within said other compartment accommodating rotation of thecontainer member about an axis extending generally along the length ofthe trough, said mechanism including a mounting for at least one end ofsaid container member movable along the length of the trough toaccommodate release of the container member.